“I strive to not let myself get caught up in all of the negativity of the world - the hopelessness - the fear of the future... I think when we focus too much on the circumstances of what is going on around us, we become like Peter when he was called by Jesus to get out of the boat and walk to Him. As long as he kept his gaze on Jesus he was fine, but when he glanced away at the sea and the storm and the salty waves all around, he started to sink with fear and despair. I must remind myself constantly to keep my eyes locked onto Jesus, knowing that He is in control, and not get flustered with the circumstances that I am living in and walking through. I have not quite mastered this and it is easier said than done, but it is my hope and prayer…” - Joy
“Lord, help me to direct myself to everything in an ordered love, diverting my gaze from the world, and turning it toward heaven….” (St. Bernard)
“Lord God, may Your will be my grillwork, Your gospels the bars in which I am enclosed and through which I will view each circumstance of this day.”(from The Cloistered Heart book)
